Toronto is a dynamic hub for business, innovation, sports, and culture.
It is a thriving mix of industries, and Canada’s largest city and financial capital, drawing in millions of visitors each year. Many of those visitors, like you, are on business for several weeks, making the most of their stay.
It is easy to get lost in the hype of the city, which can negatively impact your mental and physical health if you are not careful.
By implementing these five tips below, you can stay grounded, energized, and on track to achieve your business and personal goals while staying in the city.
1. Optimize Your Commute
In a city as energetic as Toronto, the daily commute can feel like a necessary burden, but long hours in traffic or a crowded subway can drain energy levels before the workday even begins.
Preparation is crucial here, and considering many employers and companies in Toronto offer flexible work arrangements, it is best to start your day outside of peak rush-hour periods.
If that isn’t an option for you, reframe your commute as an opportunity to listen to podcasts or audiobooks and turn your necessary burden into time for personal growth and learning.
2. Prioritize Sleep
Toronto is one of the busiest hubs in the world, with busy commutes, jam-packed workdays, and seemingly endless distractions, even for a digital nomad.
Sleep is typically the first casualty for an excited business professional, and it’s not just because of jet lag.
To properly manage stress and maintain your overall health, getting good quality sleep each night is essential. Adequate sleep does more than just restore your energy levels; it strengthens your immune system and helps you regulate your emotions.
Establish a consistent sleep and wake-up schedule and create a calming pre-sleep ritual, such as reading or meditation.
3. Living Conditions
Where you choose to stay while working in Toronto will have a ripple effect on your entire trip.
It has a dramatic influence on your daily routine and overall well-being, so choose your accommodation wisely. Finding furnished apartments in Toronto’s downtown area doesn’t have to be complicated.
As you discovered above, one of the biggest stressors for professionals staying in the city is the daily commute. Staying too far away from your workplace will add hours of travel each week, usually in heavy traffic or on crowded public transport.
Choose accommodation with a shorter commute to save time and give you more time for self-care and social activities.
4. Stay Hydrated
When staying in Toronto for business, it is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle and forget to stay hydrated.
Something as simple as drinking enough water is one of the most effective and natural ways to reduce stress and improve your mood. Dehydration, even in its mildest form, can potentially impact your mental and physical well-being.
Water is an essential component for almost every function in the human body, including brain activity. Drinking enough water can help reduce feelings of anxiety, fatigue, irritability, and tension.
5. Explore The City
One of the best parts of Toronto is its rich and diverse cultural environment that reaches far beyond its role as Canada’s business and financial hub.
The city offers endless opportunities for professionals to engage with the world around them in meaningful ways and manage stress. Tap into cultural outlets like art, museums, music, theatre, and more to enrich your experience while you are staying in Toronto.
Spend an afternoon or weekend visiting the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) for intellectual stimulation and a welcome reprieve from your work routine.
Closing Notes
When it comes down to it, managing stress while working in Toronto is all about the right preparation, achieving balance, and making the most of your trip.
Follow these tips above to create a lifestyle that sustains you both personally and professionally.
